Simi arrived at the Olatunji family's grand estate with the sun low in the sky. The sprawling grounds were meticulously maintained, with vibrant flowers lining the pathway to the entrance. It should have felt like a fairy tale, but Simi felt a knot tighten in her stomach. She had spent the morning trying to prepare for this meeting, but no amount of mental rehearsal could alleviate the anxiety that was building within her. The weight of Gbolahan's expectations hung over her like a dark cloud, threatening to dampen what little hope she had for her future. Simi took a deep breath as she stepped out of the car, bracing herself for what was to come. She smoothed down her simple but elegant dress, hoping to convey both respect and independence. She did not want to appear too eager or compliant."Are you ready?" Gbolahan enquired as he approached her, his expression unreadable. He wore a suit that exuded authority and control, much like him."As prepared as I will ever be," Simi responded, forcing a smile that felt more like a grimace."Good. "Remember, this is a big step for our family," he said, his voice firm. "You will be pleased with him."Simi nodded, but doubt gnawed at her insides. "I hope so...for everyone's sake," she said, barely above a whisper. Simi could not shake the feeling that she was walking into a trap—a meticulously planned strategy devised by Gbolahan to secure her future regardless of her desires. She looked around at the opulent decor inside the house: high ceilings with crystal chandeliers and walls covered in portraits of ancestors who appeared to be watching her every move."Ah, here you are!" A cheerful voice broke through her thoughts as a tall figure emerged from one of the adjoining rooms. He was handsome in a polished way, with perfectly styled hair and a bright smile that lit up the room. "You must be Simi!" she responded cautiously, attempting to decipher his intentions behind that charming facade."I am Tunde," he said, extending his hand to her. Simi's mind was full of uncertainty, but his grip was firm and confident."It is nice to meet you," she said politely, but she could not help but notice how rehearsed his charm seemed."Gbolahan has told me so much about you," Tunde said, shifting his gaze to Simi's father. "I have heard you are very accomplished in fashion."Gbolahan puffed up slightly as he received this compliment, clearly pleased. "Simi has a bright future ahead of her," he declared proudly. "She has been working hard on her designs."Tunde nodded enthusiastically, but Simi could tell from his charming demeanour that there was something superficial about him that made her uncomfortable. "Fashion is a very exciting field! "I admire anyone who can make it in that world," he said with a casual attitude."Thank you," Simi said, trying to hide her scepticism with politeness. "It can be difficult at times. "Challenging is good!" Tunde responded with a grin that seemed more like a mask than genuine enthusiasm. "It develops character."Simi forced a smile back, but was frustrated by his flippant attitude towards something she had poured her heart into. Did he even realise what it meant to struggle in an industry where passion frequently collided with harsh realities?"Should we sit?" Gbolahan suggested, gesturing to a plush seating area with elegant cushions and fine art hanging on the walls. As they settled into the sofas, Simi could not help but notice Tunde leaning back comfortably, as if he owned the space rather than just being a guest. His confidence bordered on arrogance, which made Simi wary."So tell me about your collection," Tunde asked after a moment of silence punctuated by the soft hum of conversation in another room. Simi hesitated before responding; part of her wanted to share everything—the inspiration behind each piece and how much effort went into every stitch—but another part held back out of fear that he wouldn't appreciate it or worse yet—dismiss it entirely."It's inspired by my Nigerian heritage," she began slowly,*
"I try to blend traditional elements with modern designs."Tunde nodded but did not appear to be fully engaged; instead, he looked around, as if looking for something more interesting than fashion design.
"That sounds great," he said casually,
"But what do you think about moving abroad? "I have heard Paris is where all the real opportunities are."Simi felt irritation rise within her.*
"I believe there is potential here, too," she responded firmly.
"We have an emerging fashion scene in Nigeria."Tunde shrugged dismissively.*
"Sure, but nothing compares to Paris or Milan."Gbolahan cleared his throat again,*
his expression shifting slightly as if sensing tension rising between them.
"The world is changing; we must adapt."Simi shot him a look,*
her frustration bubbling over.
"Adapting doesn't mean abandoning your roots."Tunde chuckled lightly,*
as if amused by their exchange.
"You're quite passionate about this! I admire that."But Simi could see through his flattery; it felt insincere and patronizing.*
"Thank you," she said coolly,
but inside she felt more resolute than ever—this man did not understand what it meant to fight for one's dreams. The conversation shifted awkwardly as Gbolahan attempted to steer them away from contentious topics.*
"So tell us about your family background, Tunde."Oh, my family is well-established in business," Tunde replied casually,*
as if discussing something mundane.
"My father runs a successful import-export company."Simi nodded politely but couldn't help feeling disillusioned by how easily Tunde spoke about wealth and privilege without acknowledging those who struggled daily just to make ends meet.*"And what do you do?" Simi asked,*
fighting against her growing impatience."I'm involved in my father's business too," Tunde replied nonchalantly.*
"But I also dabble in investments—real estate mainly.""That sounds interesting," Abosede chimed in from across the room where she was busy preparing refreshments; there was warmth in her tone that contrasted sharply with Simi's growing unease.*"It is!" Tunde responded brightly,*
his charm returning full force as he turned toward Abosede.
"I'm always looking for new opportunities."Simi watched as Abosede smiled at Tunde,*
her mother's natural warmth shining through despite everything happening around them all right now. But beneath that smile lay an undercurrent of concern—one that mirrored Simi's feelings about this meeting some more small talk filled with polite exchanges,*
Simi excused herself momentarily needing space away from everything happening around them all right now. As she stepped outside onto the balcony overlooking the beautifully manicured gardens below,*
Simi took a deep breath, trying to clear their head, filled with doubts, swirling inside herself like storm clouds threatening rain. What was happening? Was this really what Gbolahan envisioned for her? A life dictated by someone else's expectations? She leaned against the railing,*
taking in deep breaths filled with fresh air, hoping a clear mind would bring clarity amidst the chaos surrounding the dinner table earlier, filled with unresolved conflicts waiting patiently beneath the surface, waiting for opportunities to arise once more. Just then Temi appeared beside her,*
a small figure silhouetted against a twilight sky filled with stars twinkling overhead, the illuminating path ahead leading towards uncertain future waiting just beyond the horizon."What are you thinking about?" Temi asked innocently, looking up into Simi's eyes filled with wonderment, reminding everyone present how important love remained amidst trials faced along the journey ahead.*"I'm just thinking about how things can change so quickly," Simi admitted softly kneeling beside daughter offering comfort against uncertainties looming ahead knowing full well whatever lay before them would require strength and resilience built upon love shared between them both—an unbreakable bond forged through trials faced along journey ahead.*Temi nodded thoughtfully while clutching doll tightly against chest.*
Simi could see innocence radiating from the small frame, reminding everyone present how important love remained amidst trials faced along the journey ahead. As they stood together outside watching stars twinkle brightly above illuminating the path ahead leading towards an uncertain future waiting just beyond the horizon,*
Simi couldn't shake the feeling that whatever lay ahead would require strength and resilience built upon love shared between them both—an unbreakable bond forged through trials faced along the journey ahead.